Michael Brantley's injury recovery hits 'plateau'
ARLINGTON — Astros outfielder Michael Brantley has “plateaued” in his attempt to return from shoulder surgery, manager Dusty Baker said Monday.
Brantley was tentatively scheduled to face starter José Urquidy in a live batting practice Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. But Baker said Brantley will not take part “because we don’t think he’s ready yet.”
Brantley, 36, had surgery last August and has not played in the majors in more than a year. He started a minor-league rehab assignment in May but had a setback and was shut down again May 12. Brantley resumed taking on-field batting practice June 17 and has since alternated hitting on the field and in the cage.
“He’s plateaued somewhat,” Baker said. “We want to increase it but then we don’t want him to have to go backwards, either. So I’d rather have him plateau for a little while, then increase it. We’re all in a hurry for him to get back and nobody’s in more of a hurry than he is.”
Urquidy, recovering from shoulder soreness that landed him on the injured list May 1, is still scheduled to face hitters in live BP on Tuesday, Baker said.
Other injury updates:
• Shortstop Jeremy Peña, who was out of the lineup for all four games at Texas with neck stiffness, took ground balls and ran on the field Monday morning. Baker said Peña was also set to hit in the cage.
“We’ll see tomorrow how he comes out of this,” Baker said.
• Outfielder Yordan Alvarez, recovering from an oblique strain, did pregame defensive work on the field including throwing from left field to second base. Baker termed it “a great sign.”
Source: Houston Chronicle
